The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 97V068000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), 01V037000 (Vehicle Speed Control), and 00V135000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
1996 Dodge Ram electrical problems
47 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car). 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 47
- of this car's complaints
- 8%
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Ignition: switch14
- Wiring: front underhood7
- Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers6
- Ignition5
- Starter assembly3
- Ignition: module3
- Wiring: interior/under dash2
- Wiring2
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Dodge Ram electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Dodge Ram electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The affected vehicles were built with an ignition switch and wiring that could overheat. High electrical current loads pass through the switch when the blower motor is operated on high for an extended periods of time.
- Risk
- This could cause the ignition switch and wiring to overheat.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a relay and overlay harness.
Recall number 00V135000 · Recall details
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
- What is wrong
- The fasteners which secure the generator cartridge fuse to the power distribution center may have an improper clamp load. Improper clamping can result in arcing at the connection.
- Risk
- This condition can potentially cause a fire in the engine compartment.
- Remedy
- Dealers will tighten the generator cartridge fuse fasteners properly.
Recall number 95V237000 · Recall details
What 1996 Dodge Ram owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge ram. The contact noticed a chemical odor coming from the dashboard and the heater. The headlights flickered and the instrument panel lighting suddenly dimmed. The headlights went completely dim. The contact turned everything back on, but the headlights only illuminated for a few minutes. After driving without headlights, he noticed smoke coming from the vents on the driver's side. He pulled into his residence and turned off the vehicle, but the headlights remained illuminated. He attempted to turn the headlights off, but was unsuccessful. Smoke filled the vehicle and produced an awful odor. He removed the lamp fuse, but the buzzing noise still indicated that the headlights were illuminated. He reinserted the fuse and the buzzing sound continued. He noticed that the wiring harness was melted. The vehicle has not been repaired and is parked at his residence. The failure and current mileages were 180,000.
Recall 00 v 135 000/ignition switch ch/wiring: recall repaired at efird jeep eagle pontiac; florence, sc; phone# 843/679-5031. After repairs were done ignition swtich started to overheat. Dealer has been notified. Feel free to provide any further information.
While tryinng to start engine ignition switch caught on fire and burned. Dealer got contacted. Please provide more information.
Vehicle was being used to plow snow. Vehicle was moving forward at a very slow rate ( approx 1 MPH) and vehicle erupted in flames. Driver had to exit through a wall of flame and within less than a minute, cab was completely engulfed in fire. Vehicle completely destroyed in less than five minutes. Fire appeared to originate from beneath the cab, exact origin unknown. Vehicle will be kept on the premises until we hear from you. Our insurance adjuster has inspected the vehicle for insurance purposes but we have major safety concerns about this vehicle and would like to know what caused the fire. There was no service recently performed on the vehicle other than routine oil changes etc. The vehicle seemed to be running normally right up to the time that the vehicle caught fire.
Dealer refuses to do recall 00v135000 repairs on ignition wiring because consumer had a security system installed, this was done at time of purchase at dealership. *ak
There was an ignition fire, took vehicle to dealer, and dealer replaced ignition switch and other parts. Afterwards when starting vehicle starter stayed engaged, and unable to shut off vehicle when turning key in off position. Consumer has taken vehicle to dealer but dealer could not duplicate the problem.
Headlights don't work when steering wheel is in a downward driving position. If steering wheel is pushed all the way up headlights come on. Consumer received a recall 00v135000/ manufacturer's recall 875. When vehicle was taken into dealer's repair shop, dealer wasn't sure if recall was for that specific problem. Dealer didn't fix it under recall.
Circuit breaker had burned while driving. Prior to problem generator light had came on, and voltage regulator went very low. Vehicle had stopped dead.
The j2 wire from ignition caused a power spike,causing headlights to burn. A tsb has been issued on vehicle. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified.
Questions about the 1996 Dodge Ram electrical
Does the 1996 Dodge Ram have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 47 complaints about the electrical of the 1996 Dodge Ram, 8% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Ram electrical problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Dodge Ram electrical?
Yes, 2 recalls: 00V135000, 95V237000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Dodge Ram have the most electrical problems?
The Dodge Ram model years with the most electrical complaints are 1995 (72 complaints), 1994 (64 complaints) and 1998 (48 complaints).
Other 1996 Dodge Ram problems
Brakes 172Transmission 135Engine 57Suspension 48Steering 41Airbags 38Fuel system 37Acceleration 30Tires 29Body 24Visibility 24Lights 18Seats 18Locks 16Wheels 10Seat belts 7
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1996 Dodge Ram?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history